Apple's future MacBooks may have e-ink keyboards

October 19, 2016

Transcript

Looks like Apple has some new Mac computers to show off.
And these may come with some new features like a touchscreen and fingerprint reader.
All signs point to Apple showing off new Macbooks at a press event on Thursday, October 27th.
So what could we see?
Maybe a MacBook with a touchscreen strip that replaces the function keys, that may also serve as a fingerprint reader to be used for ApplePay or for unlocking the laptop.
It could also have better graphics processors for video games.
That's all according to a report from Bloomberg.
It would mark Apple's first big laptop overall in four years.
There's also some buzz that Apple may do away with the normal charging port in the Macbook Pro and replace it with a USBC port, just like it did with the updated smaller 12-inch Macbook.
Apple said it took courage to remove the headphone jack on the iPhone 7. So we'll have to wait and see if Apple has the courage, so to speak, to replace all ports with USBCs.
Maybe the hottest stocking stuffer this year's gonna be dongle adapters.
But perhaps the biggest change coming to MacBooks won't even happen until 2018.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has Teamed up with an Australian startup company called Saunder Design to create e-ink screen keyboards.
They keys can change from the alphabet to special characters or even emojis depending on what you need.
Saunder is already taking pre-orders for a stand alone version of this keyboard For $200.
The technology is similar to the screens used on E ink readers like the Kindle with each key having it's own screen.
Now, although that won't be something we're gonna see this year no matter what Apple has in store I'm sure Microsoft isn't happy that Apple is having an event the day after It's big Windows news.
Microsoft is expected to make some Surface news on Wednesday, October 16th.
Possibly showcasing an all in one Surface PC.
Let's see which company has the more impressive fall lineup.
That's it for this tech news update.
I'm Bridget Kerry.
Stay on top of the biggest stories at cnet.com/update.